Why Differential Pressure Matters in the Pharmaceutical Industry?
Clean and sterile environments are of the greatest importance in the pharmaceutical field. One of the more important factors that contribute to it is differential pressure.
What is Differential Pressure?
It is the pressure difference between the cleanroom or manufacturing areas and adjacent areas, which usually include corridors or airlocks. This pressure difference ensures control over the movement of air and prevents contaminants from entering such clean areas.
Why is Differential Pressure Important?
- Prevents Contamination: It prevents harmful particles from entering the cleanroom.
- Stops Cross-Contamination: It isolates areas to avoid spreading contaminants within different areas.
- Maintains Cleanroom Integrity: It keeps cleanrooms sterile and safe.
- Preserves Sterility: Assuring pharmaceutical products remain uncontaminated.
How is Differential Pressure Measured?
- Magnehelic Gauge: This device shows pressure changes with a needle that moves to indicate whether the pressure is positive or negative.
- Manometer: This is an older device, in which pressure is expressed through a column of liquid; pressures are read in inches of water.
WHO Guidelines
The World Health Organization maintains that the differential pressure should ideally lie between 10 to 15 Pascal.
Types of Differential Pressure:
- Positive Pressure: The pressure in the clean room is greater than in the outside atmosphere; hence, air always flows out and keeps away all the contamination.
- Negative Pressure: The cleanroom is at a lower pressure, drawing air in and not allowing any dust or powder to move out.
In other words, differential pressure keeps the air clean, maintains product sterility, and prevents contamination.
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